In a battle between the two teams with the best records in the Northeast, the LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds (7-8) travel to play the Wagner Seahawks (10-5) at Spiro Sports Center. The game gets underway at 7:00 pm ET on Thursday, Jan. 14.
The Seahawks beat Sacred Heart 76-59 the last time they played. Romone Saunders was the game’s high scorer with 22 points on 8-for-13 shooting. The Blackbirds are coming off a 72-65 loss at the hands of Saint Francis in their last outing. Martin Hermannsson posted 17 points, three steals, and three rebounds.
Over the last five games, Jerome Frink has been on a tear for the Blackbirds. During that stretch, he has averaged 18.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.8 blocks, and 0.8 three-pointers.
It could be an error-filled game for the LIU Brooklyn offense, which ranks 277th in the nation in ball security (TO% of 20.2%). It’ll be facing the gambling Wagner defense, which forces the 20th-most turnovers in the nation (23.3%).
Notes
The Wagner Seahawks have a defensive rating of 94.8 (ranked 40th), while the LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds have an offensive rating of 99.0 (ranked 279th).
The Wagner Seahawks average a field goal percentage of 39.7% this season. The LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds have split their games this season (7-7) when opponents have a FG% of 39.7% or greater.
On average, the Wagner Seahawks attempt 19.0 three point field goals per game and the LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds attempt 20.0. In games where they attempt at least 20 threes, Wagner is 6-5, while LIU Brooklyn has a poor record of 4-7.
Wagner is one of the best teams in the country when it comes to offensive rebounds, ranking 11th. LIU Brooklyn ranks just 200th in defensive rebounds.
The Wagner defense has forced an average TO% of 23.3% this season (ranked 20th). In games where it gives up a TO% of 23% or greater, LIU Brooklyn has a losing 1-3 record.
